C5.3.d. Is a port State required to inspect all foreign ships?

Regulation 5.2.1, paragraph 1, provides that every foreign ship calling, in the normal course of its business or for operational reasons, in the port of an ILO Member may be the subject of inspection in accordance with paragraph 4, of Article V of the MLC, 2006 for the purpose of reviewing compliance with the requirements of the Convention (including seafarers’ rights) relating to the working and living conditions of seafarers on the ship.

As indicated by the word “may”, the inspection of foreign ships is discretionary rather than mandatory under the MLC, 2006.

Port State responsibilities